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Home > Courses > Graduate Certificate in Corporate Finance
The Graduate Certificate in Corporate Finance is no longer open for new enrolments. Please select an alternative course from our catalogue. If you require assistance, please contact Kaplan Professional on 1300 135 798 or via contact us for further details.
Corporate finance isn’t just for bankers and accountants any more. With global opportunities and skills shortages, knowledge of how and why the finance industry works is more important than ever before in developing your career. This online Graduate Certificate in Corporate Finance is designed to help you gain this essential knowledge.
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STUDY MODE
100% online
NUMBER OF SUBJECTS
4
NEXT INTAKE
12 Jan 2026
COURSE FEE
$10,800.00
AVAILABLE LOANS
FEE-HELP
AQF LEVEL
8
COURSE DURATION
7 months full-time1.25 years part-time6 months accelerated full-time
ACCREDITATION
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency
PROVIDER ID
PRV12030
Individuals who undertake this qualification will gain advanced technical and specialist skills to commence or progress their career in the corporate finance industry.
It is recommended that FIN342 - Applied Corporate Finance is studied as the final subject in your program.
Single subject study is also available. Click here for full subject availability.
On completion of this qualification, individuals will be able to:
Kaplan Professional defines the philosophy underpinning our courses through the graduate attributes. These are the qualities we’d like individuals to develop as they progress through their academic studies; they reflect what individuals will know (knowledge) or be able to do (capabilities) when they finish their course.
The graduate attributes are built into Kaplan Professional course learning outcomes, content and assessments.
Please click here to learn more about our graduate attributes.
Six intakes every year
With six intakes every year, you can plan ahead and study when it suits you. A new study period commences every two months, overlapping slightly from the previous, so you can pace your studies to achieve your goals within your desired timeframe.
Extra time each study period
Take advantage of our complimentary early access period to make a head start on your next subject. Gain an extra four weeks of access to your online subject room, learning materials, support resources and assessments in advance of the study period commencement date to give you more time to prepare yourself and balance your learning.
Below are the minimum education requirements for entry into our postgraduate courses.
Alternative entry pathways may be available to you if you do not meet the minimum education requirements. In addition, other entry requirements, such as English language proficiency, may apply to you depending on your academic background.
The qualifications listed as minimum education requirements must be from a recognised Institute of Higher Education. Overseas qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis using the Country Education Profiles (CEPs) qualification recognition tool provided by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.
You’ll be required to provide Kaplan Professional with certified documents supporting that you have met the requirements for entry into the course.
*Related disciplines include:
You may be eligible for entry into this course based on your work expertise and/or if you hold an academic and/or professional qualification that is deemed appropriate to Kaplan Professional. Please refer to alternative entry pathways for further information.
Related industry/work experience includes:
Advanced standing may be awarded in recognition of prior learning (RPL) or industry experience, which is directly related to this course.
We recognise various types of prior learning towards our postgraduate courses:
For further information about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), our advanced standing ‘Precedent list’ and how to apply, click here.
Each Kaplan Professional postgraduate qualification has minimum entry requirements that you must meet to qualify for admission.
In order to complete your studies with Kaplan Professional, you’re assumed to have the recommended technology requirements and skills.
You can apply to study with Kaplan Professional by completing our online application (enrolment) form.
Alternatively, you can submit a hard copy of the application (enrolment) form.
You can apply now and supply documentation later to support your application for admission (within three weeks of your initial application to the qualification). Please click here for details on what documentation you may need to provide to support your application.
You may be able to obtain advanced standing for a Kaplan Professional subject based on your previous study, professional membership status and/or work experience.
All subjects are offered online for each study period, giving you the flexibility of choosing when and where you wish to study. You pay tuition fees for the subject(s) you’re enrolled in within an individual study period. Check the fee schedule for more information about fees.
FEE-HELP is available to eligible students. Click here to find out if you’re eligible for FEE-HELP.
You should also check the individual subject outlines to understand the recommended study time commitments for the subject, along with any recommended assumed knowledge. Click here to view a list of applied finance subjects.
Make sure you also check the assessment timetable to ensure you’re available to complete your assessments by the due dates, including sitting any exams.
You have access to KapLearn – your interactive and state-of-the-art online learning environment – anytime and anywhere. The convenience and flexibility will empower you to plan your study time around the rest of your day, instead of the other way around. Engage with the latest in 100% online digital learning, including discussion forums, interactive notes, online research journals, real-world case studies and diverse multimedia content.
You can book a call to speak with a tutor using Zoom. This can be used to seek more clarification on assessments, ask questions, or discuss certain theories and concepts in more detail. Sessions can be booked in your KapLearn subject room.
To encourage a stronger sense of mutual support and collaboration among our student community, you can participate in tutor-facilitated group study sessions. Hosted over one hour, you can discuss your studies with your peers in the industry, while connecting on a personal level.
To encourage as much interaction as possible between students and faculty, tutors regularly post in the discussion forum. This includes focus points from the week’s topics, as well as tips on study scheduling and how to approach assessment tasks.
You can count on diligent and prompt support from a dedicated Student Advice team who are always a phone call or email away. The team is experienced, knowledgeable and specifically in place to support those who are studying at the postgraduate level.
Your qualification is designed and delivered by industry experts and leading practitioners, ensuring learning can be immediately applied to your professional practice. Content is designed to be practical and relevant, based on contemporary case studies and the latest industry insights and trends.
Pathways and advanced standing are available if you’ve completed or are looking to gain the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) designation, including up to six subject credits in the Master of Applied Finance.
Locked-in pricing and FEE-HELP
To safeguard against any future price increases, you can lock in the price of your subject enrolment fees for the duration of your qualification. Many eligible students use FEE-HELP, which is a Commonwealth Government loan. This means you don’t need to pay to study upfront, helping you to reduce some of your financial burden.
The tuition fee listed below applies to all postgraduate subjects:
If you’re paying by cheque, utilising a deferral, or have a preferred client code, you’ll need to download and submit a hard copy of the form below.
Download a new student application (enrolment) form.
Further fees
Click here for a full list of fees and allowances.
Click here to find out if you’re eligible for FEE-HELP.
Payment FAQs
Click here to learn more.
We prioritise our students' mental and physical health, creating a supportive environment for learning success.
Our dedicated support teams are here to support you throughout your studies.
Our engaging and interactive learning resources support flexible and self-paced learning experiences for our students.
Kaplan Professional is offering education update presentations for advice firms – available online or in person – designed to help advisers navigate the evolving professional landscape.
The financial advice profession is rarely a straight path. Increasing regulation, rising client expectations, technological change and higher professional standards mean advisers must continually adapt to remain relevant and competitive.
This presentation maps the full career lifecycle of an adviser – from entry into the profession through to specialisation, leadership and long-term sustainability. At each stage, we explore the capabilities required, the common challenges advisers face, and the role education plays not just as a compliance requirement, but as a strategic enabler of professional growth.
• Education pathways from entry to senior leadership
• How capability requirements evolve across career stages
• The shift from minimum standards to advanced technical and strategic expertise
• The role of ongoing education in building resilience, sound judgement and sustainable careers
Designed for adviser teams and leadership groups, this presentation provides practical insights into how structured learning supports long-term performance, professionalism and business sustainability.
To book an education update session for your advisers please contact your Corporate Relationship Manager to arrange a suitable time.
Date: Wednesday, 11 March
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm AEDT
Fee: $280
Where: Online (Zoom)
Host: Matthew Farley
A certificate of attendance outlining CPD hours will be awarded at the conclusion of this workshop. A full list of topics is available on our website.
Date: Thursday, 19 March
Time: 1:00pm – 3:30pm AEDT
Fee: $340
Host: Dr Jenny Diggle
Kaplan Professional has expanded the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite with a new set of practical topics designed to further strengthen capability across both technical and client engagement areas.
As client expectations continue to rise and advice scenarios become more complex, early career advisers must combine sound technical knowledge with strong communication skills and thoughtful decision-making. The latest additions to the suite support this ongoing professional development.
Practical frameworks to enhance credibility, strengthen adviser presence and build more meaningful, long-term client relationships.
Structured approaches to assessing appropriate cover, modelling client scenarios and supporting well-reasoned, client-centred risk advice.
Applying probability-based thinking to improve strategic judgement and support more confident decision-making in uncertain environments.
These additions build on the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite focus on applied, real-world learning, equipping advisers with skills that can be immediately implemented in practice.
The ongoing expansion of the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite reflects Kaplan Professional’s commitment to supporting advisers as they continue to develop deeper expertise and deliver high-quality, client-focused advice.
For advisers who have now met the education standard, the focus shifts from compliance to opportunity.
Kaplan Professional offers clear pathways to build on the bridging courses and subjects already completed and convert that study into a full, recognised qualification. Advisers who have completed individual units toward the education standard may be eligible to articulate into the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning or Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, formalising their academic achievement and strengthening their professional standing.
From there, eligible Graduate Diploma alumni can upgrade to the Master of Financial Planning, completing the remaining subjects to attain a postgraduate qualification that positions them above the minimum regulatory requirement. The Master’s program also provides direct pathways toward leading professional designations, including CFP® and SSA®, enabling advisers to align academic progression with industry-recognised credentials.
Advisers who have completed the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning are already eligible to obtain leading professional designations through the College for Financial Planning®. This includes globally-recognised credentials such as the Accredited Behavioural Finance ProfessionalSM (ABFP®) and Chartered Retirement Planning CounsellorSM (CRPC®) designation.
No further study is required to meet the education component for these certifications, allowing advisers to leverage their existing qualification to secure respected professional recognition and further strengthen their standing in the industry.
Beyond core qualifications, Kaplan Professional also offers access to additional specialist electives and professional designation pathways, allowing advisers to differentiate in areas such as superannuation, retirement, ethics and client strategy.
In short, completing the education standard doesn’t have to be the end point. With Kaplan Professional, it can be the foundation for higher qualifications, respected designations and long-term career progression.
Contact your Corporate Relationship Manager to discuss the education options and pathways for your adviser network. Alternatively, contact 1300 135 798 (option 2) or email courseadvice@kaplan.edu.au.
Kaplan Professional will host a special Women in Finance webinar on Tuesday, 3 March, celebrating the achievements, leadership and career journeys of women shaping the financial services industry.
The session will explore leadership, career progression and the role education has played in supporting professional success across diverse areas of the sector.
Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning dux, two-time Olympian and Financial Adviser at HLB Mann Judd.
Graduate Diploma graduate, business owner and founder of a caregiving training institute in Bangladesh, with more than 20 years’ industry experience.
Master of Applied Finance graduate and Director at BDO Sydney, specialising in governance, risk and assurance across financial services.
Date: Tuesday, 3 March
Time: 1:30pm AEDT
Location: Online (Zoom)
The webinar will include practical leadership insights, reflections on career growth, discussion on the impact of education in finance, and an interactive Q&A session.
Now
9 March
25 March
29 May
Kaplan Professional is offering eligible Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning alumni a limited-time opportunity to upgrade to the Master of Financial Planning at a fixed alumni price of $5,000.
This exclusive offer enables alumni to complete their remaining four subjects – two core subjects (FPC009 Complex Financial Planning and KAP001 Capstone Project) and two electives – at a substantially reduced cost compared to standard postgraduate tuition fees.
To access the offer, eligible alumni must enrol and commence their first subject by the Study Period 2 census date, 25 March 2026.
Upgrading to the Master’s degree provides advisers with the opportunity to deepen technical expertise, broaden strategic capability and position themselves strongly as professional standards across the industry continue to rise. The program also supports progression toward additional professional designations.
Full details, including subject structure, study plans and application steps, are available below.